Skate fit somewhere between 705 and vapor x#.0 series: Calling all Skate Experts!

[dw91 0]

Hi Folks,

I usually like to try to solve these problems myself, but I'm really stumped. I've been using Vapor x4.0's (11.5 EE) for the past year and a half-ish, and I've come across the following problems (problems have almost always been there, but keep getting worse):

-bad heel lock (feel it especially when skating backwards and taking off forwards)

-a little too much depth through forefoot and ankle (width on forefoot is in the OK to too tight range)

-flimsy tongue (blocking shots seems like an idiotic idea with these tongues)

I want to get some new skates, but don't want to drive the hour to the closest store to find out they don't have what I'm looking for. I had 705's before, and the heel lock was great on those, but they were simply too heavy and not really deep enough through the forefoot either. Heel lock and having a wide enough toecap and forefoot are my big issues, tongues can be swapped.

Does anybody have any ideas for good, durable skates? Thanks for any help you can give.

[laserrobottime 148]

The Graf x35 series may be a good fit in wide. The heel is quite narrow, and the depth is a little shallower throughout, but noticeably so in the ankle so take a look. The 2010-and up year 735, 935 may be good.

[dw91 0]

will look into Graf's newer lines, thanks for that advice. Anybody else know of any other brands that might work?